Urban Systems gave Chase council something to think about after their presentation on corporate energy usage reduction.
Dylan Houlihan showed council at the Jan. 14 council meeting just where the village stands regarding energy consumption.
After reviewing the energy usage patterns within the village and identifying some of its hotspots, the Urban Systems representative explained to council just how much they are spending on energy and why.
In 2012, Houlihan estimated, the village spent $125,000 on energy. Most of it, he said, was spent on electricity.
Urban Systems identified the largest user in the area as the water pump, accounting for $20,000 a year on electricity.
The $125,000 is a low number, Houlihan cautioned, noting he does not have the data on buildings such as the curling rink, and suggested the number is actually higher. Even at the lower estimate, energy accounts for seven per cent of tax dollars collected and, if the pattern continues, the future will only require more energy, and more money.
Houlihan notes how BC Hydro’s rates have increased over the years and will continue to rise by 10 per cent over the next few years.
Houlihan suggests the village begins to takes steps to reduce its energy usage and carbon footprint.
The province has also been setting targets for lowering its impact on the environment.
Houlihan says it is impossible to get down to zero emissions but it is not impossible to work towards that number.
He notes emissions from electricity are not as harmful as those from the fuel and diesel used by the village fleet. He suggested there are many products that can be purchased to reduce emissions.
Council would need to first decide which route it would like to take in reducing energy.
While a reduction in the electrical usage does not have as much of an impact on the environment as other forms of energy, it does save the village more money.
